Friday, January 17, 2014

Three Catholic churches in Cynon Valley facing uncertain future as congregations get smaller

Three Catholic churches in the Cynon Valley could close under options regarding the future of the Parish of Mary Immaculate.

Concerned
parishioners were handed a newsletter outlining the ideas on Sunday,
January 5, and have since expressed their despair at the possible threat
to the future of Our Lady of Lourdes in Mountain Ash, St Joseph’s in
Aberdare and St Therese of Lisieux in Hirwaun.

Worshipper Diane
Cowdry, of Aberdare, said: “It came as a great shock to find out that
there is a possibility that all three Catholic churches in the Upper
Cynon Valley could close. There is a meeting in a few weeks time
to discuss the options but my fear is that the decision has already
taken place. Hopefully I will be proved wrong.”

The first option
is that the priest in Mountain Ash is withdrawn and the parish priest in
Abercynon would then look after masses in each church in the Upper
Cynon Valley as well as Abercynon and Bargoed.

The Presbyteries in
Mountain Ash and Aberdare would be rented out.

The second option
is to close one or two churches in the area, and the third option is to
close three churches in the Upper Cynon Valley and have Sunday mass
celebrated in St Margaret’s Primary School Hall.

The fourth and final option is to close all three churches and celebrate mass in the Anglican church in each area.

Diane added: “The provision for mass to be held at the local primary school is both inadequate and totally unsuitable. These
three churches provide for the needs of all our community – not just
for Catholics. Our town would be a much poorer place without them.”

However,
Monsignor Robert Reardon, diocesan communications officer, said: “The
Cynon Valley like the rest of the country is experiencing fewer people
coming to mass and fewer priests. Therefore when looking at
pastoral and financial provisions we must look for new ways to run our
parishes in order to fulfil its mission. However no decisions have been made yet.”